Following this year’s nominations, many industry insiders have been speculating about the 2026 Emmy Awards. A panel of critics and analysts looked at the winners, upset upsets and unexpected standouts from the year’s top TV contenders.Medical series ‘The Pitt’ led all shows with an unprecedented 25 nominations, including Outstanding Drama and 13 acting nominations, according to a roundtable presented on Variety’s awards circuit podcast. Its star, Noah Wyle, is positioned as a leading actor candidate. The comedy series ‘Hacks’ earned 24 nominations for its fifth season, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy show. Star Jean Smart is now positioned to potentially win her fifth Emmy for the show, which would tie her for the actress with the most acting Emmy wins in history.
Freshman series Widow’s Bay and Pluribus impressed Emmy voters, earning major nominations and becoming two of the year’s top contenders. Image Credit (Instagram)
Broadcast TV challenges and reality competition is back
The panel noted that television received a significantly reduced number of nominations this year, with few shows beyond ‘Abbott Elementary’ achieving major recognition. However, the return of “Dancing With the Stars” to the reality competition category after a decade’s absence was celebrated as a positive development, despite concerns that it displaced another long-running competition show from consideration.
Mariska Hargitay’s exceptional year and hosting duties
The panel also discussed the extraordinary year actress Mariska Hargitay is having, hosting this year’s Emmy Awards. She represents the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years. Beyond his role as host, Hargitay is experiencing an exceptionally busy period that includes a professional sports team victory, a Broadway theater performance, his documentary receiving two Emmy nominations, his long-running drama series reaching a significant episode count, and award show hosting duties.
Notable absences and pleasant surprises
Shows and talent from a particular creative producer’s universe failed to land nominations despite high star power, with several high-profile series not being fully considered. However, the show starring a veteran actress in a supporting role generated enthusiasm among the panelists. “I loved that Sally Field came on board for ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures.’ I mean, Sally is just a legend. It was lovely to see her do that,” Tangcay said.Hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta and Michael Schneider, the panel examines this year’s top Emmy nominees and provides analysis of the upcoming awards ceremony.